May 2, 2018 – Westwind Construction, and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) today signed a formal partnership with the goal of zero worker injuries, accidents and near misses during the construction of the Ridge45 – Phase Three apartment community in Traverse City.

The Ridge45 - Phase Three project will further expand the new multi-family apartment community developed by Midwest Property Development Inc., and partner company Westwind Construction, a west Michigan commercial construction business with close ties to the Grand Traverse region. Together, Midwest Property Development Inc. and Westwind have made the Ridge45 a reality for the Grand Traverse region. Construction of Phase One and Two which began in June 2016, added 232 new high-quality housing units to the area that will be fully completed and almost entirely occupied by September 2018.

Westwind is now poised to launch Phase Three of the Ridge45 project that will add an additional 168 residential units to the community completing a total of 400 new residential units by the end of 2019. The new units will provide housing with efficient and modern amenities for the entire Grand Traverse region. The Westwind-MIOSHA partnership will incorporate and demonstrate the most up-to-date worker safety standards and procedures as Ridge45 – Phase Three gets underway.

“MIOSHA is pleased to once again partner with Westwind which shows their commitment to worker safety and health on this significant project,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “Their commitment sends a strong message that providing a safe and healthy work environment is a sound business decision."

Signing partners include MIOSHA, Westwind and partnering subcontractors: Jozwiak Engineering, Kinsley Lumber, Clark Drywall, Molon Excavation, JDE Concrete, Sheren Plumbing and Heating, Ideal Painting and others. The partnership agreement outlines clear safety objectives and provides analytics to help all parties improve their safety awareness with the ultimate goal of achieving zero recordable injuries and ensuring everyone returns home safely in the same condition they came to work in.

The safety of the construction project’s employees is fundamental to this partnership with MIOSHA. The leadership of Westwind, partnering contractors, and MIOSHA are aligned and committed to providing a workplace with an effective safety management system that is hazard-free. All partners agree to commit leadership, time, and resources to reach this important goal.

“The Westwind family is honored and excited to partner with MIOSHA and our trade contractors in making this important commitment to worker health and safety,” said Peter Oleszczuk, vice-president of construction and one of the Midwest Property Development principals. “Project safety and awareness is critical to the successful completion of the Ridge45 – Phase Three project, as well as the growth and expansion of our industry.”

The partnership does not preclude MIOSHA from enforcing its mission of addressing complaints, fatalities, or serious accidents, nor does it infringe on the rights of employees to report workplace hazards.

Westwind constructs a variety of projects, including commercial, industrial, multi-family and residential properties. Its services include feasibility studies, facility renovation, general contracting, construction management, built to suit, and design/build. For more information on Westwind, visit www.westwind.build.